3D-printed biodegradable composite poly(lactic acid)-based scaffolds with a shape memory effect for bone tissue engineering

• Published in: Advanced composites and hybrid materials 2025-02, Vol.8 (1), Article 95
• Main Authors: Firoz, Abdullah bin, Rybakov, Vladimir, Fetisova, Anastasia A., Shlapakova, Lada E., Pariy, Igor O., Toropkov, Nikita, Lozhkomoev, Alexander S., Mukhortova, Yulia R., Sharonova, Anna A., Wagner, Dmitry V., Surmeneva, Maria A., Kholkin, Andrei L., Surmenev, Roman A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ceramics; Chemistry and Materials Science; Composites; Glass; Materials Engineering; Materials Science; Natural Materials; Polymer Sciences
• ISSN: 2522-0128; 2522-0136
• DOI: 10.1007/s42114-024-01084-1

In this study, 3D-printed biodegradable poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and hybrid PLA scaffolds doped with magnetite nanoparticles (PLA/Fe 3 O 4 ) and having gyroid structure were investigated at various infill densities (100%, 70%, 50%, or 30%). Effects of infill density on the composition, structure, and mechanical properties (Young’s modulus, compression, and tensile strength) of the scaffolds and a shape memory effect were documented. Raman spectroscopy was used to detect the characteristic molecular bonds of PLA and magnetite. X-ray diffraction confirmed higher crystallinity of the materials printed with Fe 3 O 4 addition. PLA/Fe 3 O 4 composites showed ferrimagnetic behavior. Mechanical properties of PLA/Fe 3 O 4 composite scaffolds with 50% porosity fall within the range of corresponding mechanical properties of native cancellous bone, and therefore these scaffolds hold promise for the repair of bone defects. Additionally, 3D-printed materials’ various sizes and shapes were tested to achieve shape recovery up to 85% for composite porous scaffolds with gyroid structure and up to 100% for nonporous pure PLA ribbons (the supporting walls). Furthermore, a decrease in the infill density of the gyroid scaffolds resulted in a higher shape recovery rate. A proposed mechanism of the shape memory effect in the printed scaffolds was also discussed. These findings suggest that the developed 3D-printed PLA/Fe 3 O 4 scaffolds, with tunable mechanical properties and shape memory capabilities, offer significant potential for advanced biomedical applications, including personalized bone repair and regeneration.